Workstation for processing and producing a video signal

ABSTRACT

A workstation for processing and producing a video signal comprises a video input system, a video graphics processor, and a video output system. The video input system may comprise a video input module, a first video pipeline, and a second video pipeline. The video output system may comprise a receiver, a video pipeline and a video output module. In addition, the video input system may comprise a video input module having a specific configuration and a video processing module having a connector for coupling the video input module, the specific configuration of the video input module setting the characteristics of the video processing module. The video output system may comprise a video processing module having a connector for coupling a video output module and a video output module having a specific configuration, the specific configuration of the video output module setting the characteristics of the video processing module.

PRIORITY

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 as acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/976,986, filed Oct.29, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,417,633 which claims priority under 35U.S.C. §120 as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/632,558, filed Aug. 4, 2000 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,847,358, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/147,668, filed Aug. 6, 1999 and the benefit U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/147,609, filed Aug. 6, 1999, the disclosure of eachsaid application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/632,662, filed on even date herewith, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORPRE-PROCESSING A VIDEO SIGNAL” and naming Jeff S. Ford and David J.Stradley as inventors, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein,in its entirety, by reference, U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/632,452, filed on even date herewith, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORPRODUCING A VIDEO SIGNAL” and naming Jeff S. Ford and Claude Denton asinventors, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in itsentirety, by reference, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/632,605,filed on even date herewith, entitled “VIDEO CARD WITH INTERCHANGEABLECONNECTOR MODULE” and naming Jeff S. Ford and Jeff Belote as inventors,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, byreference, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/632,443, filed on evendate herewith, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FRAME RATE MATCHING” andnaming Jeff S. Ford as inventor, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein, in its entirety, by reference, and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/632,451, filed on even date herewith, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHODFOR PACKING AND UNPACKING VIDEO DATA” and naming Jeff S. Ford, ArthurMcKinney and Craig Jordan as inventors, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a video graphics workstation and,more particularly, the invention relates to the pre-processing of avideo signal and the production of a video signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, a video graphics workstation is a system of hardware andsoftware that allows a user to process a video signal for use in anumber of different applications. For example, the user may process avideo signal for display on a computer monitor, for storage on acomputer-readable storage medium, for display on a television, or forstorage on a video tape.

Typically, however, video graphics workstations are designed to processparticular video signals. Thus, most video graphics workstations are notscalable. In other words, most video graphics workstations are notdesigned to adapt to the changing needs of the workstation's user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a workstation forprocessing and producing video signals comprises a video input systemand a video graphics processor. The video input system comprises a videoinput module, a first video pipeline, and a second video pipeline. Thevideo input module receives and forwards one or more live video signals,producing a forwarded video signal for each received live video signal.The first video pipeline pre-processes VS₁, wherein VS₁ is a firststored video signal or one of the forwarded video signals produced inthe video input module, producing a first pre-processed video signal.The second video pipeline pre-processes VS₂, wherein VS₂ is the samevideo signal being pre-processed in the first video pipeline, one of theother forwarded video signals produced in the video input module, or asecond stored video signal, producing a second pre-processed videosignal. The video graphics processor processes VS₃, wherein VS₃ is athird stored video signal, the first pre-processed video signal, or thesecond pre-processed video signal, producing a processed video signal.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the workstation may furthercomprise a video output system, the video output system producing aformatted video signal. The video output system may further comprise areceiver for receiving VS₄, wherein VS₄ is the first pre-processed videosignal, the second pre-processed video signal, or the processed videosignal, a video pipeline for post-processing VS₄, the video pipelineoperating in conjunction with the video graphics processor and producinga post-processed video signal, and a video output module for convertingthe post-processed video signal, the video output module producing theformatted video signal.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a workstation forprocessing and producing video signals comprises a video graphicsprocessor for processing a video signal, the video graphics processorproducing a processed video signal, and a video output system. The videooutput system comprises a receiver for receiving the processed videosignal, a video pipeline for post-processing the processed video signal,the video pipeline producing a post-processed video signal, and a videooutput module for converting the post-processed video signal, the videooutput module producing a formatted video signal.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a workstationfor processing and producing video signals comprises a video graphicsprocessor for processing a video signal, the video graphics processorproducing a processed video signal, and a video output system. The videooutput system comprises a video processing module for post-processingthe processed video signal, the video processing module producing apost-processed video signal and having a connector for coupling a videooutput module, and a video output module for converting thepost-processed video signal, the video output module having a specificconfiguration and producing a formatted video signal, the specificconfiguration of the video output module setting the characteristics ofthe video processing module.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the video output module mayfurther comprise a buffer for storing the post-processed video signal, aprocessor for converting the post-processed video signal into theformatted video signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the formattedvideo signal.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a workstationfor processing and producing a video signal comprises a video inputsystem and a video graphics processor. The video input system comprisesa video input module for converting a live video signal, the video inputmodule having a specific configuration and producing a formatted videosignal, and a video processing module for pre-processing the formattedvideo signal, the video processing module producing a pre-processedvideo signal, the video processing module having a connector forcoupling the video input module, the specific configuration of the videoinput module setting the characteristics of the video processing module.The video graphics processor processes the pre-processed video signal,producing a processed video signal.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the video input module mayfurther comprise a first receiver for receiving the live video signal, aprocessor for converting the live video signal into the formatted videosignal, and a buffer for storing the formatted video signal.

In accordance with still yet another aspect of the invention, aworkstation for processing and producing a video signal comprises avideo input system and a video output system. In one embodiment of theinvention, the video input system comprises a video input module forreceiving and forwarding one or more live video signals, the video inputmodule producing a forwarded video signal for each received live videosignal, a first video pipeline for pre-processing VS₁, wherein VS₁ is afirst stored video signal or one of the forwarded video signals producedin the video input module, the first video pipeline producing a firstpre-processed video signal, and a second video pipeline forpre-processing VS₂, wherein VS₂ is the same video signal beingpre-processed in the first video pipeline, one of the other forwardedvideo signals produced in the video input module, or a second storedvideo signal, the second video pipeline producing a second pre-processedvideo signal. In this embodiment, the video output system comprises areceiver for receiving VS₃, wherein VS₃ is a third stored video signal,the first pre-processed video signal, or the second pre-processed videosignal, a video pipeline for post-processing VS₃, the video pipelineproducing a post-processed video signal, and a video output module forconverting the post-processed video signal, the video output moduleproducing a formatted video signal.

In another embodiment of the invention, the video input system comprisesa video input module for converting a live video signal, the video inputmodule having a specific configuration and producing a formatted videosignal, and a video processing module for pre-processing the formattedvideo signal, the video processing module producing a pre-processedvideo signal, the video processing module having a connector forcoupling the video input module, the specific configuration of the videoinput module setting the characteristics of the video processing module.In this embodiment, the video output system comprises a video processingmodule for post-processing the pre-processed video signal, the videoprocessing module producing a post-processed video signal and having aconnector for coupling a video output module, and a video output modulefor converting the post-processed video signal, the video output modulehaving a specific configuration and producing a formatted video signal,the specific configuration of the video output module setting thecharacteristics of the video processing module.

In alternate embodiments for all aspects of the invention, the videoinput system may include an ancillary data extractor for removingancillary data from at least one of the live video signals, and thevideo output system may include an ancillary data injector for insertingancillary data into the post-processed video signal. The video outputsystem may also include a generator locking device.

In other alternate embodiments for all aspects of the invention, thelive video signal may be an analog composite video signal, an analogcomponent video signal, a serial digital composite video signal, aserial digital component video signal, a parallel digital compositevideo signal, or a parallel digital component video signal. Further, thepre-processed video signal may be an RGB encoded video signal, an RGBAencoded video signal, a YUV-Type encoded video signal, or a YUVA-Typeencoded video signal. In addition, the formatted video signal may be ananalog composite video signal, an analog component video signal, aserial digital composite video signal, a serial digital component videosignal, a parallel digital composite video signal, or a parallel digitalcomponent video signal.

In still other alternate embodiments for all aspects of the invention,the process of pre-processing may include changing the sample rate ofthe video signal being pre-processed, gamma removal, gamma insertion,color space conversion, dithering, and scaling. In addition, the processof pre-processing may include addressing on a frame-by-frame basis thevideo signal being pre-processed. Further, the video input system may bea Peripheral Component Interconnect circuit board.

In yet other alternate embodiments for all aspects of the invention, theprocess of post-processing may include region of interest selection,frame rate matching, scaling, framing, letter boxing, changing thesample rate of the video signal being post-processed, gamma removal,gamma insertion, color space conversion, and changing frames of videodata into interleaved fields of video data. In addition, the process ofpost-processing may include addressing on a frame-by-frame basis thevideo signal being pre-processed. Further, the video output system maybe a Peripheral Component Interconnect circuit board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will beappreciated more fully from the following further description thereofwith reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary video graphics workstationfor implementing the various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 2 a through 2 b show various exemplary embodiments for a videoinput system for use in a video graphics workstation.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment for a scalable video input systemfor use in a video graphics workstation.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show various exemplary exploded views for mounting aninterchangeable connector module to a video processing module.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment for a video output system for usein a video graphics workstation.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment for a scalable video output systemfor use in a video graphics workstation.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary video graphics workstation for carrying outvarious exemplary video graphics applications.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary process in a video graphics workstation forvideo signal frame rate matching.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b show an exemplary process in a video graphicsworkstation for packing and unpacking pixels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a video graphicsworkstation includes three sub-systems—a video input system, a videographics processor, and a video output system. In general, the videoinput system pre-processes video signals, the video graphics processorprocesses and/or displays video signals and graphics input, and thevideo output system produces video signals. The video signals processedand produced may be analog video signals or digital video signals.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary video graphics workstationfor implementing the various embodiments of the invention. Videographics workstation 100 includes central processing unit 102, chipset104, memory 106, two Peripheral Component Interconnect (“PCI”) buses—a64-bit PCI bus and a 32-bit PCI bus, and an Accelerated Graphics Port(“AGP”). Video input system 110 and storage medium 120 connect tochipset 104 via the 64-bit PCI bus. Video graphics processor 130connects to chipset 104 via the AGP. Video output system 140 connects tochipset 104 via the 32-bit PCI bus. In addition, video input system 110connects to video graphics processor 130 via local bus 182 and videooutput system 140 connects to video graphics processor 130 via local bus184.

A. Video Input System

FIGS. 2 a through 2 b show various exemplary embodiments for video inputsystem 110. In particular, FIG. 2 a shows an exemplary embodiment forpre-processing a live video signal in video input system 110. Theprocess of pre-processing a video signal includes, among other things,up sampling, down sampling, gamma insertion, gamma removal, color spaceconversion, scaling and dithering. For purposes of understanding andreference, and without intending to limit the meaning theabove-identified processes have to a person of ordinary skill in theart, listed below are definitions for the above-identified processes:

PROCESS DEFINITION Up Sampling Process of increasing the amount ofdigital data used to represent an image Down Sampling Process ofdecreasing the amount of digital data used to represent an image GammaInsertion Process of inserting a value to compensate for the non-linearcharacteristics of an output device (e.g., a computer monitor) GammaRemoval Process of removing a value inserted to compensate for thenon-linear characteristics of an output device (e.g., a computermonitor) Color Space Process of converting between Conversion differentcolor encoding schemes (e.g., between a component color scheme and acomposite color scheme) Scaling Process of changing the resolution of animage Dithering Process of combining colors to trick the eye into seeingmore colors than the system can actually display

In addition, pre-processing may include addressing on a frame-by-framebasis the video signal being pre-processed. In video, a frame is asingle complete image. In frame-by-frame addressing, video input system110 may pre-process one frame of a video signal different than, forexample, the next frame of the video signal.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 a, video input system 110 includesvideo input module 200, input multiplexer 212, input multiplexer 222,pipeline 210, pipeline 220, output multiplexer 214, and outputmultiplexer 224. Video input module 200 receives a live video signal andforwards the live video signal to, for example, a buffer (not shown) fortransfer to pipeline 210 and/or pipeline 220. The live video signal maybe an analog video signal or a digital video signal. If the live videosignal is an analog video signal, then video input module 200 convertsthe live video signal into a computer-readable format.

The input multiplexers, multiplexer 212 and multiplexer 222, route therespective video signal to the pipelines. In particular, multiplexer 212routes video signals to pipeline 210 and multiplexer 222 routes videosignals to pipeline 220. The pipelines, pipeline 210 and pipeline 220,pre-process the forwarded video signal. The output multiplexers,multiplexer 214 and multiplexer 224, route the pre-processed videosignals to, for example, various output buffers (not shown) accessibleto video graphics workstation 100. For example, the pre-processed videosignal may be forwarded, via the 64-bit PCI bus and the AGP, to videographics processor 130. Or, the pre-processed video signal may beforwarded, via the 64-bit PCI bus and the 32-bit PCI bus, to videooutput system 140. The pre-processed video signal may also be forwarded,via the 64-bit bus, to storage medium 120.

FIG. 2 b shows an exemplary embodiment for pre-processing a live videosignal and a stored video signal in video input system 110. In thisembodiment, pipeline 210 and pipeline 220 pre-process a live videosignal and/or a stored video signal. Typically, the stored video signalis forwarded from, for example, storage medium 120, to a buffer (notshown) to allow for efficient transfer of the stored video signal tovideo input system 110.

With two pipelines, a single live, or stored, video signal may reachpipeline 210 and pipeline 220. Thus, two versions of a single live, orstored, video signal may be generated at the same time. For example,video input system 110 may receive a television signal and pre-processthe television signal via pipeline 210 for display on a computer monitorand via pipeline 220 for storage on storage medium 120. In addition,using frame-by-frame addressing, video input system 110 may pre-processmore than two video signals substantially at the same time. In thisembodiment, the frames of the different video signals are interleavedand routed to pipeline 210 and pipeline 220. Moreover, video inputsystem 110 may pass a video signal, either live or stored, throughpipeline 210 and/or pipeline 220 without pre-processing the videosignal.

In a further embodiment of video input system 110, video input module200 receives and forwards more than one live video signal to, forexample, a buffer (not shown) for transfer to pipeline 210 and/orpipeline 220. The live video signals may be analog video signals ordigital video signals. If the live video signal is an analog videosignal, then video input module 200 converts the live video signal intoa computer-readable format. For each received live video signal, videoinput module 200 produces a forwarded video signal.

In a further embodiment of these exemplary embodiments, video inputmodule 200 includes an ancillary data extractor for removing ancillarydata from a live video signal. Typically, the ancillary data is removedfrom the live video signal prior to receipt of the live video signal inthe input multiplexers, multiplexer 212 and multiplexer 214. Ancillarydata includes, among other things, audio data and close captioning data.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment for a scalable video input system110. In this embodiment, video input system 110 includes video inputmodule 300 and video processing module 350. Video input module 300includes receiver 302, processor 304, and buffer 306. Receiver 302receives a live video signal and forwards the live video signal toprocessor 304. Processor 304 converts the received video signal into avideo signal having a common video data format. The formatted videosignal is then forwarded to buffer 306 for transfer to video processingmodule 350. In alternate embodiments of the invention, video inputmodule 300 may include an ancillary data extractor for removingancillary data from a live video signal.

Video processing module 350 includes input multiplexer 352, pipeline354, and output multiplexer 356. As discussed above in regard to theembodiments shown in FIG. 2, video processing module 350 pre-processesthe formatted video signal and/or a stored video signal and routes thepre-processed video signal to, for example, a buffer (not shown)accessible to video graphics workstation 100. Video processing module350 may have two pre-processing pipelines. In addition, thepre-processed video signal may be forwarded to video graphics processor130, video output system 140, and/or storage medium 120.

The common video data format may be an organized bit stream. As notedabove, a frame is a single complete image. An image, in turn, iscomposed of a raster of picture elements, referred to as pixels. A pixelis represented by some number of bits stored, for example, in memory.Pixels are the smallest “units” on a screen that can be given a color(represented with color data) and an opacity (represented with alphadata). Thus, an organized bit stream may include color data, alpha data,or color data and alpha data. For example, a bit stream with color datamay include 20-bits for color data. In contrast, a bit stream for alphadata may include 10 bits for alpha data. Pipeline 354 may pre-processcolor data separate from alpha data. In this embodiment, a color databit stream may be forwarded on a output different from the output usedto forward alpha data.

In these exemplary embodiments, video input module 300 and videoprocessing module 350 are separate modules coupled together via, forexample, male/female cables. In one embodiment, video input module 300is a daughterboard that plugs into video processing module 350. Theseparation of the various functions of a video input system into a videoinput module and a video processing module allows for the separation ofvideo input module 300 and video processing module 350.

In turn, the separation of video input module 300 from video processingmodule 350 allows for the configuration of various video input modules,each configured to receive and process different video signal formats.Because the “input” functions of video input system 110 have beenseparated from the “processing” functions of video input system 110,video input module 300 may be “exchanged” without the need to replacevideo processing module 350. Thus, when a user wants to input, forexample, a serial digital component video signal into video input system110 instead of an analog composite video signal, the user “exchanges”the video input module configured for the analog composite video signalwith a video input module configured for the serial digital componentvideo signal. In turn, processor 304 (on the “new” video input module)signals video processing module 350 of the new configuration.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show various exemplary exploded views for mounting aninterchangeable connector module, such as video input module 300, to aprocessing module, such as video processing module 350. In FIG. 4 a,interchangeable connector module 400 includes connectors 402 andmounting holes 404. Circuit board 450 includes plate 455. Plate 455includes connector holes 452 and mounting holes 454. Plate assembly 430includes plate 435 a and two screws (not shown). Plate 435 a includesconnector holes 432 a and mounting holes 434 a. Connectors 402 aredesigned to fit through connector holes 432 and 452. The two screws,passing through mounting holes 434 a and mounting holes 454, secureinterchangeable connector module 400 to circuit board 450 via mountingholes 404.

In FIG. 4 b, plate assembly 430 further includes plate 435 b and gaskets436. Gaskets 436 are designed to improve electromagnetic shielding. Forexample, gaskets 436 may be composed of a rubber compound with embeddedsilver. For the exemplary embodiments shown in both FIG. 4 a and FIG. 4b, in operation, interchangeable connector module 400 would also becoupled (not shown) to processing module 450.

B. Video Graphics Processor

Various exemplary embodiments of a video graphics processor aredisclosed in the following:

1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/353,495, filed Jul. 15, 1999, andentitled “MULTIPROCESSOR GRAPHICS ACCEIRRATOR,” the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference;

2. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/354,462, filed Jul. 15, 1999, andentitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DIRECTING GRAPHICAL DATA TO A DISPLAYDEVICE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated, in itsentirety, by reference;

3. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/353,420, filed Jul. 15, 1999, andentitled “WIDE INSTRUCTION WORD GRAPHICS PROCESSOR,” the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference; and

4. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/353,419, filed Jul. 15, 1999, andentitled “SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING A TELEVISION SIGNAL ON A COMPUTERMONITOR,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated, in itsentirety, by reference.

C. Video Output System

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment for video output system 140. InFIG. 5, video output system 140 includes receiver 500, pipeline 510, andvideo output module 520. Receiver 500 receives a video signal andforwards the received video signal to, for example, a buffer (not shown)for transfer to pipeline 510. The received video signal may be formattedin one of many different video data formats. For example, the receivedvideo signal may be an RGB encoded video signal or an RGBA encoded videosignal. An RGB encoded video signal encodes an image in accordance withthe amount of red, green, or blue contained in the image. An RGBAencoded video signal further encodes an image in accordance with theamount of opacity contained in the image.

The received video signal may also be a “YUV-Type” encoded video signalor a “YUVA-Type” encoded video signal. A “YUV-Type” encoded video signalencodes an image in accordance with the amount of luma (black and white)and color differences contained in the image. A “YUVA-Type” encodedvideo signal further encodes an image in accordance with the amount ofopacity contained in the image. A “YUV-Type” encoded video signalincludes, among other things, a YUV encoded video signal, a YCbCrencoded video signal, and a YPbPr encoded video signal. A “YUVA-Type”encoded video signal includes, among other things, a YUVA encoded videosignal, a YCbCrA encoded video signal, and a YPbPrA encoded videosignal.

Pipeline 510 post-processes the forwarded video signal and forwards thepost-processed video signal to video output module 520. The process ofpost-processing includes, among other things, region of interestselection, frame rate matching, spatial adaptation, up sampling, downsampling, gamma insertion, gamma removal, and color space conversion.Spatial adaptation includes, among other things, scaling and pictureframing. Picture framing includes, among other things, letter boxing.For purposes of understanding and reference, and without intending tolimit the meaning the above-identified processes have to a person ofordinary skill in the art, listed below are definitions for theabove-identified processes not previously defined:

PROCESS DEFINITION Region of Interest Process of selecting a portion ofan Selection image for post-processing Frame Rate See Section E.Matching Picture Framing Process of positioning an image on a and LetterBoxing background imageIn addition, post-processing may include addressing on a frame-by-framebasis the video signal being post-processed. In frame-by-frameaddressing, video output system 140 may post process one frame of avideo signal different than, for example, the next frame of the videosignal. Also, post-processing may include changing a frame of video datainto interlaced fields of video data. In using this process, videooutput system 140 “blends” single or multiple lines from a frame in aninput video signal into a single line in an output video signal, e.g.,3:2 pull-down.

Video output module 520 converts the post-processed video signal to aformatted video signal. The formatted video signal may be an analogvideo signal or a digital video signal.

Typically, video output system 140 also includes a generator lockingdevice, referred to as a genlock, which allows the synchronized displayof graphics and video. A genlock may lock video output system 140 to,for example, video graphics processor 130. In addition, regardless ofwhether video output system 140 is locked to video graphics processor130, a genlock may lock video output module 520 to another source, e.g.an external clock, an internal clock, etc.

In a further embodiment of these exemplary embodiments, video outputmodule 520 includes an ancillary data injector for inserting ancillarydata into the post-processed video signal prior to conversion of thepost-processed video signal. As noted above, ancillary data includes,among other things, audio data and close captioning data.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment for a scalable video output system140. In this embodiment, video output system 140 includes videoprocessing module 600 and video output module 650. Video processingmodule 600 includes receiver 602 and pipeline 604. As discussed above inregard to the embodiments shown in FIG. 3, video processing module 600receives a video signal, post-processes the received video signal, andforwards the post-processed video signal to video output module 650.Video processing module 600 may include a generator locking device forlocking video processing module 600 to, for example, video graphicsprocessor 130.

Video output module 650 includes buffer 652, processor 654, andtransmitter 656. Video processing module 600 forwards the post-processedvideo signal to buffer 652 for transfer to processor 654. Processor 654converts the post-processed video signal into a formatted video signal,e.g., an analog composite video signal, a parallel digital componentvideo signal, etc. The formatted video signal is then forwarded totransmitter 656. In alternate embodiments of the invention, video outputmodule 650 may include an ancillary data injector for insertingancillary data into the post-processed video signal.

In these exemplary embodiments, video output module 650 and videoprocessing module 600 are separate modules coupled together via, forexample, male/female cables. In one embodiment, video output module 650is a daughterboard that plugs into video processing module 600. Theseparation of the various functions of a video output system into avideo output module and a video processing module allows for theseparation of video output module 650 and video processing module 600.

In turn, the separation of video output module 650 from video processingmodule 600 allows for the configuration of various video output modules,each configured to process and produce different video signal formats.Because the “output” functions of video output system 140 have beenseparated from the “processing” functions of video output system 140,video output module 650 may be “exchanged” without the need to replacevideo processing module 600. Thus, when a user wants to output, forexample, a serial digital component video signal instead of an analogcomposite video signal, the user “exchanges” the video output moduleconfigured for the analog composite video signal with a video outputmodule configured for the serial digital component video signal. Inturn, processor 354 654 (on the “new” video output module) signals videoprocessing module 600 of the new configuration.

As an interchangeable connector module, video output module 650 may bemounted on video processing module 600, a processing module, in themanner shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b.

D. Exemplary Video Graphics Applications

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary video graphics workstation implementing oneembodiment of the invention for carrying out various exemplary videographics applications. In this embodiment, video input system 730includes two pipelines, pipeline 732 and pipeline 734. In addition,video output system 750 forwards a formatted video signal to a videotape recorder for recordation.

In one application, video graphics workstation 700 captures a live videosignal. First, video graphics workstation 700 receives the live videosignal. Next, the received video signal is preprocessed in pipeline 732of video input system 730. Then, the pre-processed video signal isforwarded, via the 64-bit PCI bus, to storage medium 720.

In another application, video graphics workstation 700 captures anddisplays a live video signal. First, video graphics workstation 700receives the live video signal. Next, the received video signal ispre-processed in both pipeline 732 and pipeline 734 of video inputsystem 730. Then, the pre-processed video signal from pipeline 732 isforwarded, via the 64-bit PCI bus, to storage medium 720. In theinterim, the pre-processed video signal from pipeline 734 is forwarded,via local bus 782, to video graphics processor 740 for display oncomputer monitor 760. The pre-processed video signal from pipeline 734may also be forwarded to video graphic processor 740 via the 64-bit PCIbus and the AGP. In alternate embodiment, the pre-processed video signalfrom pipeline 734 may be forwarded, via the 64-bit bus and the 32-bitbus, to video output system 750 for recordation on video tape recorder770.

In another application, video graphics workstation 700 plays back astored video signal. First, video graphics workstation 700 forwards astored video signal, via the 64-bit PCI bus to video input system 730.Next, the stored video signal is pre-processed in pipeline 732. Then,the pre-processed video signal is forwarded, via local bus 782, to videographics processor 740 for display on computer monitor 760. In analternate embodiment, the pre-processed video signal may also forwarded,via local bus 784, to video output system 750 for recordation on videotape recorder 770.

In another application, video graphics workstation 700 processes astored video signal, for example, performs a two-dimensional orthree-dimensional effect on the stored video signal, and displays theprocessed video signal. First, video graphics workstation 700 forwards astored video signal, via the 64-bit PCI bus, to video input system 730.Next, the stored video signal is pre-processed in pipeline 732. Then,the pre-processed video signal is forwarded, via local bus 782, to videographics processor 740 for “effects” processing and display on computermonitor 760. In an alternate embodiment, the processed video signal mayalso forwarded, via local bus 784, to video output system 750 forrecordation on video tape recorder 770.

In another application, video graphics workstation 700 pre-processes astore video signal and saves the pre-processed video signal. First,video graphics workstation 700 forwards a stored video signal, via the64-bit PCI bus, to video input system 730. Next, the stored video signalis pre-processed in pipeline 732. Then, the pre-processed video signalis forwarded, via the 64-bit PCI bus, to storage medium 720. Inalternate embodiments, the pre-processed video signal may be forwarded,via the 64-bit PCI bus, to central processing unit 715 or to memory 710.

In another application, video graphics workstation 700 processes astored video signal and saves the processed video signal. First, videographics workstation 700 forwards a stored video signal, via the 64-bitPCI bus, to video input system 730. Next, the stored video signal ispre-processed in pipeline 732. Then, the pre-processed video signal isforwarded, via local bus 782, to video graphics processor 740 for“effects” processing. Last, the processed video signal is forwarded, vialocal bus 782, to video input system 730. Video input system 730 maypre-process the processed video signal, for example, to convert theprocessed signal to a format better suited for saving, or forward theprocessed signal, via the 64-bit PCI bus, to storage medium 720.

In another application, video graphics workstation 700 combines a livevideo signal, a stored video signal, and graphics information andrecords the combined video signal. First, video graphics workstation 700receives a live video signal. Next, the received video signal ispre-processed in pipeline 732 of video input system 730. In the interim,video graphics workstation 700 forwards 25 a stored video signal tovideo input system 730. Next, the stored video signal is pre-processedin pipeline 734. Then, graphics information (via the AGP), thepre-processed video signal from pipeline 732 (via local bus 782), andthe pre-processed video signal from pipeline 734 (via local bus 782) areforwarded to video graphics processor 740 for “effects” processing.Last, the processed video signal is forwarded, via local bus 784, tovideo output system 750 for recordation on video tape recorder 770.

E. Frame Rate Matching

As discussed above, a frame is a single complete image. Typically, aframe is represented, in a video graphics workstation, with frame data.In general, frame rate is how fast a new frame of frame data, in otherwords, an new image, is available for processing or display. The processof frame rate matching includes, among other things, matching the framerate of, for example, a video signal to the frame rate of, for example,an output device. Typically, in a video graphics workstation, theprocess of frame rate matching occurs in the video output system.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary process in a video graphics workstation forvideo signal frame rate matching. The process begins at step 800, inwhich the video graphics workstation fills a first buffer with asequence of frame data. Next, at step 810, the workstation reads out theframe data in the first buffer and, at substantially the same time,fills a second buffer with the next sequence of frame data. The processcontinues at step 820, in which the video graphics workstationdetermines whether all of the frame data has been read out of the firstbuffer. If yes, the video graphics workstation fills the first bufferwith the next sequence of frame data. If no, the video graphicsworkstation, at step 830, fills the third buffer with the next sequenceof frame data.

Next, at step 840, the video graphics workstation determines whether allof the frame data in the first buffer has been read out of the firstbuffer. If no, the video graphics workstation begins to fill the secondbuffer with the next sequence of frame data. If yes, the video graphicsworkstation, at step 850, determines whether the second buffer or thethird buffer has the most current and most complete frame data. If thesecond buffer has the most current and most complete frame data, thevideo graphics workstation, at step 860, reads the frame data out of thesecond buffer. If the third buffer has the most current and mostcomplete frame data, the video graphics workstation, at step 870, readsthe frame data out of the third buffer.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the buffer determined not tohave been filled with the most current and most complete frame databecomes a remainder buffer. In this embodiment, the video graphicsworkstation fills the remainder buffer with the next sequence of framedata. Then, if all of the frame data has not been read out of the bufferdetermined to have been filled with the most current and most completeframe data, the video graphics workstation fills the first buffer withthe next sequence of frame data. The video graphics workstationcontinues to alternate between the remainder buffer and the first bufferuntil all of the frame data has been read out of the buffer determinedto have been filled with the most current and most complete frame data.

Thus, in operation, the three buffers change “roles.” For example, thebuffer now being filled may, depending upon the circumstances, nextbecome either the buffer being read or the buffer not being eitherfilled or read. Or, the buffer now being read may, depending upon thecircumstances, next become either the buffer being filled or the buffernot being either filled or read. Or, the buffer now not being eitherfilled or read may, depending upon the circumstances, next become eitherthe buffer being read or the buffer being filled.

In both embodiments of the invention, a buffer may contain the mostcomplete frame data when the buffer is less than 100% full. Typically,however, a buffer contains the most complete frame data when the bufferis 100% full. In addition, a buffer may contain one or more frames offrame data. Typically, however, a buffer contains one frame of framedata.

Further, both embodiments of the invention are scalable. In other words,both embodiments of the invention may be used to match any frame rates.For example, a frame rate to be matched may be 24/1.001 frames/second,or 24 frames/second, or 25 frames/second, or 29.97 frames/second, or30/1.001 frames/second, or 30 frames/second, or 50 frames/second,60/1.001 frames/second, 60 frames/second or 75 frames/second. Also, theframe rates being matched may be the same frame rate. Or, in thealternative, the frame rates being matched may be multiples of eachother.

F. Packing and Unpacking Video Data

As discussed above, an image is composed of a raster of pictureelements, referred to as pixels. Pixels are the smallest “units” on ascreen that can be given a color (represented with color data) and anopacity (represented with alpha data). In general, a pixel isrepresented by some number of bits stored, for example, in memory. Forexample, a pixel may be 1-bit in length, 8-bits in length, 10-bits inlength, 24-bits in length, or 32-bits in length.

In turn, memory stores data in segments, with each segment being somenumber of bits. For example, memory may be capable of storing data in32-bit segments or 64-bit segments. It may inefficient, however, tostore, for example, one 8-bit pixel in a 32-bit memory segment. But,four 8-bit pixels may be “packed” in a 32-bit memory segment. In thesame way, four 24-bits pixels may be packed in three 32-bit memorysegments. Typically, in a video graphics workstation, the process ofpacking and unpacking pixels occurs in the video input system.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b show an exemplary process in a video graphicsworkstation for packing and unpacking pixels. In particular, FIG. 9 ashows an exemplary process in a video graphics workstation for unpackingpixels. The process begins at step 900 a, in which the video graphicsworkstation loads a shift-down register with the pixel data contained ina first memory device. In this embodiment, the first memory device has abit storage capacity smaller in size than the bit storage capacity ofthe shift-down register. For example, the first memory device may be64-bits in length and the shift-down register may be 80-bits in length.Next, at step 910 a, the video graphics workstation shifts one completepixel of pixel data down the shift-down register. For example, one24-bit pixel is shifted down the shift-down register.

Then, at step 920 a, the video graphics workstation determines whetherthe shift-down register contains another complete pixel of pixel data.If yes, the video graphics workstation shifts another complete pixel ofpixel data down the shift-down register. If no, the video graphicsworkstation, at step 930 a, loads a shift-up register with the pixeldata contained in a second memory device. In this embodiment, the secondmemory device is contiguous with the first memory device and has thesame bit storage capacity as the first memory device. Also, the shift-upregister has the same bit storage capacity as the shift-down register.

Next, at step 940 a, the video graphics workstation shifts the pixeldata in the shift-up register up the number of bits of pixel dataremaining in the shift-down register. For example, if the shift-downregister has 16 bits of pixel data remaining, then the video graphicsworkstation shifts the pixel data in the shift-up register up 16 bits.Then, at step 950 a, the video graphics workstation moves the pixel datain the shift-up register to the shift-down register, placing theshifted-up pixel data in the same bit locations in the shift-downregister the shifted-up pixel data occupied in the shift-up register.For example, if the shifted-up pixel data occupied bit locations 16through 63 in the shift-up register, then the video graphics workstationmoves the shifted-up pixel data to bit locations 16 through 63 in theshift-down register.

FIG. 9 b shows an exemplary process in a video graphics workstation forpacking pixels. In this embodiment, the memory device in which the pixeldata will be packed has a bit storage capacity smaller in size than thebit storage capacity of the shift-up register. For example, the memorydevice may be 64-bits in length and the shift-up register may be 80-bitsin length.

The process begins at step 900 b, in which the video graphicsworkstation shifts one complete pixel of data up a shift-up register.Next, at step 910 b, the video graphics workstation determines whetherthe shift-up register has capacity to hold another complete pixel ofpixel data. If yes, the video graphics workstation shifts anothercomplete pixel of pixel data up the shift-up register. If no, the videographics workstation, at step 920 b, moves the pixel data in theuppermost bit locations of the shift-up register to a shift-downregister, placing the moved pixel data in the same bit locations in theshift-down register the moved pixel data occupied in the shift-upregister. For example, if the moved pixel data occupied bit locations 16through 63 in the shift-up register, then the video graphics workstationmoves the shifted-up pixel data to bit locations 16 through 63 in theshift-down register.

The amount of pixel data moved from the uppermost bit locations in theshift-up register depends upon the bit storage capacity of the memorydevice in which the pixel data will be packed. For example, if thememory device is 64-bits in length, then the video graphics workstationmoves the 64 uppermost bits of the shift-up register to the shift-downregister. Also, the shift-down register has the same bit storagecapacity as the shift-up register.

Next, at step 930 b, the video graphics workstation shifts the pixeldata in the shift-down register down the number of bits of pixel dataremaining in the shift-up register. For example, if the shift-upregister has 16 bits of pixel data remaining, then the video graphicsworkstation shifts the pixel data in the shift-down register down 16bits. Then, at step 940 b, the video graphics workstation moves thecontents of the shift-down register to the memory device.

In all embodiments of the invention, one complete pixel of pixel datamay include a bit stream of color data, a bit stream of alpha data, or abit stream of color data and alpha data. The color data may be RGBencoded or “YUV-Type” encoded. In addition, the color data and alphadata may be RGBA encoded or “YUVA-Type” encoded.

The various embodiments of the invention may be implemented in anyconventional computer programming language. For example, the variousembodiments may be implemented in a procedural programming language (forexample, “C”) or an object-oriented programming language (for example,“C++” or JAVA). The various embodiments of the invention may also beimplemented as preprogrammed hardware elements (for example, applicationspecific integrated circuits or digital processors), or other relatedcomponents.

The various embodiments of the invention may be also implemented as acomputer program product for use with a computer system. Suchimplementation may include a series of computer instructions fixedeither on a tangible medium, such as a computer readable media (forexample, a diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, or fixed disk), or transmittable to acomputer system via a modem or other interface device, such as acommunications adapter connected to a network over a medium. The mediummay be either a tangible medium (for example, optical or analogcommunications lines) or a medium implemented with wireless techniques(for example, microwave, infrared or other transmission techniques). Theseries of computer instructions preferably embodies all or part of thefunctionality previously described herein with respect to the system.Those skilled in the art should appreciate that such computerinstructions can be written in a number of programming languages for usewith many computer architectures or operating systems. Furthermore, suchinstructions may be stored in any memory device, such as semiconductor,magnetic, optical or other memory devices, and may be transmitted usingany communications technology, such as optical, infrared, microwave, orother transmission technologies. It is expected that such a computerprogram product may be distributed as a removable medium withaccompanying printed or electronic documentation (for example, shrinkwrapped software), pre-loaded with a computer system (for example, onsystem ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronicbulletin board over the network (for example, the Internet or World WideWeb).

Although various exemplary embodiments of the invention have beendisclosed, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modifications can be made which will achieve some ofthe advantages of the invention without departing from the true scope ofthe invention. These and other obvious modifications are intended to becovered by the appended claims.

1. A workstation for processing and producing video signals, theworkstation comprising: a storage medium; and a video input systemconfigured to produce two different pre-processed versions of a inputvideo signal at the same time, the video input system having: a videoinput module to receive and forward the input video signal; a firstvideo processing pipeline configured to: receive the input video signalfrom the video input module; and produce a first pre-processed videosignal as one said version of the input video signal to store in thestorage medium; and a second video processing pipeline configured to:receive the input video signal from the video input module; and producea second pre-processed video signal as another said version of the inputvideo signal to output on a display device coupled to the workstation.2. A workstation as recited in claim 1, wherein the first videoprocessing pipeline and the second video processing pipeline areconfigured to perform pre-processing including one or more of upsampling, down sampling, gamma insertion, gamma removal, color spaceconversion, scaling, dithering, or frame-by-frame addressing.
 3. Aworkstation as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or more inputmultiplexers configured to route the input video signal for processingby the first video processing pipeline and the second video processingpipeline.
 4. A workstation as recited in claim 3, further comprising oneor more output multiplexers configured to route pre-processed videosignals produced by the first video processing pipeline and the secondvideo processing pipeline.
 5. A workstation as recited in claim 4,wherein the one or more input multiplexers are configured to selectivelyconnect the first video processing pipeline and the second videoprocessing pipeline to multiple signal inputs to enable pre-processingof input signals from the multiple signal inputs including at least thevideo input system and the storage medium.
 6. A workstation as recitedin claim 4, wherein the one or more output multiplexers are configuredto selectively connect the first video processing pipeline and thesecond video processing pipeline to multiple output locations to enablerouting of pre-processed signals to the multiple output locationsincluding at least the storage medium, a video output system, and avideo graphics processor.
 7. A method for processing and producing videosignals by a video input system comprising: producing two differentpre-processed versions of a input video signal at the same time by:receiving a video input signal by a video input module of the videoinput system; forwarding the input video signal to a first videoprocessing pipeline configured to produce a first pre-processed videosignal as one said version of the input video signal to store in storagemedium associated with the video input system; and forwarding the inputvideo signal to a second video processing pipeline configured to producea second pre-processed video signal as an other said version of theinput video signal to output on a display device; storing the one saidversion of the input video signal in the storage medium; and outputtingthe other said version of the input video signal for display on thedisplay device.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein forwarding the inputvideo signal to the first video processing pipeline and forwarding theinput video signal to the second video processing pipeline occursubstantially at the same time.
 9. The method of claim 7 furthercomprising combining the other said version of the input video signalwith a stored video signal obtained from the storage medium to produce acombined video signal for output on the display device.
 10. The methodof claim 7 further comprising combining the one said version of theinput video signal with a stored video signal obtained from the storagemedium to produce a combined video signal for storage in the storagemedium.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein to produce said firstpre-processed video signal and said second pre-processed video signalcomprises pre-processing the input signal by one or more of up sampling,down sampling, gamma insertion, gamma removal, color space conversion,scaling, dithering, or frame-by-frame addressing.
 12. The method ofclaim 7, wherein outputting the other said version of the input videosignal for display on the display device comprises forwarding the othersaid version of the input video signal to a video graphics processorconfigured to process the other said version of the input video signalto apply one or more effects and cause display on the display device.13. The method of claim 7, further comprising post processing at leastone of the one said version or the other said version of the inputsignal by one or more of region of interest selection, frame ratematching, scaling, framing, letter boxing, changing a sample rate, gammaremoval, gamma insertion, color space conversion, or changing frames ofvideo data into interleaved fields of video data.
 14. A video processingsystem comprising: video memory; a video graphics processor configuredto couple the video processing system to a display device and outputvideo processed by the video graphics processor for presentation on thedisplay device; a plurality of processors configured to produce twodifferent pre-processed versions of an input video signal at the sametime, the plurality of processors arranged as multiple processingpipelines including: a first video processing pipeline configured toproduce a first pre-processed video signal as one said version of theinput video signal and cause storage of the first pre-processed videosignal in the video memory; and a second video processing pipelineconfigured to produce a second pre-processed video signal as an othersaid version of the input video signal and communicate the secondpre-processed video signal to the video graphics processor to causepresentation of the pre-processed video signal on the display device.15. A video processing system as recited in claim 14, wherein the firstvideo processing pipeline and the second video processing pipeline areconfigured to process the input video signal simultaneously.
 16. Thevideo processing system as recited in claim 14 further comprising aninput module to receive the input signal for processing, producemultiple copies of the input signal, and forward the multiple copies forsimultaneous processing by the first video processing pipeline and thesecond video processing pipeline.
 17. A video processing system asrecited in claim 14, wherein the video graphics processor is furtherconfigured to obtain a stored video signal from the video memory andperform effects processing on the obtained video signal.
 18. A videoprocessing system as recited in claim 14, wherein the video graphicsprocessor is further configured to perform effects processing upon thesecond pre-processed video signal.
 19. A video processing system asrecited in claim 14, wherein the video graphics processor is furtherconfigured to combine at least the two different pre-processed versionsof an input video signal produced by the multiple processing pipelinesto form a combined video signal.
 20. A video processing system asrecited in claim 14, further comprising: one or more input multiplexersconfigured to route the input video signal from a plurality of sourcesfor processing by the first video processing pipeline and the secondvideo processing pipeline; and one or more output multiplexersconfigured to route pre-processed video signal produced by the firstvideo processing pipeline and the second video processing pipeline toone or more output locations.